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Thermador Diversity in Design Pipeline in partnership with Interior Design Society

2024 – 2025 Applications Now Open

Are you a college student entering your final year and studying residential interior design? Are you an interior designer who brings passion, perspective and vision to your work? We’re searching for the next generation of interior design students and mentors for our Diversity in Design Pipeline program.

About Diversity in Design Pipeline

In 2021, Thermador launched its Diversity in Design Pipeline initiative in partnership with the Interior Design Society. This program focuses on fostering inclusion in the design community by launching Interior Design students with diverse perspectives into the competitive design industry. This includes providing them with a comprehensive scholarship package and mentorship program including access to accomplished, subject matter expert interior designers.

Comprehensive scholarship and mentorship package includes:

• Tailored year-long mentorship program with highly acclaimed interior design professionals
• Program-exclusive panel discussions, product training and events
• Interior Design Society (IDS) membership and other design industry perks
• Career resources and support
• Access to exclusive trade events

Past Winners

2023-24 Diversity in Design Program Winners
Ibrahim Al-Mohanna Headshot

Ibrahim Al-Mohanna

Noblesville, Indiana

Majoring in Interior Design at Indiana University, Ibrahim Al-Mohanna aspires to become an architect and interior designer.

Ibrahim envisions starting his career in interior design then continuing his education on the graduate level for architecture with the goal to then combine the two disciplines.

“I of course love architecture and interiors, but I am also enamored with beautiful urban design within cities. Urban planning (which is what I am minoring in) was actually a strong career consideration for me. I'd also very much like to use this opportunity to delve in various other factions of design that I would normally not have access to; such as residential and furniture design, as well as product design and architecture.”

Yasmine Boone

Yasmin Boone

Flagstaff, Arizona

Yasmin Boone is majoring in Interior Design at Northern Arizona University and interested in designing family units, spaces for individuals with disabilities, and residential spaces. She strives to ensure that the spaces she will create are equitable and universally accessible.

Eventually, she would like to design spaces for clients and users all over the world and of various backgrounds, improving their quality of life through design.

“My hope is that I can work at a firm that allows me the opportunity to grow, ask questions and prosper! I'm so glad to be on a career path I am passionate about and excited for. I am determined to use this momentum to create real change in the world!”

Isai De La Berrara Headshot

Isai De La Barrera

Burlington, North Carolina

An Interior Architecture major at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Isai De La Barrera’s ultimate life goal is to establish his own international design firm and engage in solving significant large-scale challenges.

Isai enjoys both residential and commercial design across various scales, with a particular focus on integrating WELL design principles into spaces.

“I am deeply grateful to my family and the strong support network that has played a pivotal role in helping me reach where I am today!”

My Grumbling Headshot

My Grumbling

Amsterdam, New York

My Grumbling is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior and Spatial Design at Russell Sage College with the intention of utilizing her skills to assist others and design homes for those who are less fortunate.

Post-graduation, she plans to work under a licensed architect or designer, become WELL AP certified and prepare for the NCIDQ exam.

“My ultimate objective is to initiate a dialogue and bring about social change through design. I believe that exceptional design is a tool that can break down barriers between people of different backgrounds and bring them together. Good design speaks for itself.”

Madison Svoboda Headshot

Madison Svoboda

Louisburg, Kansas

Majoring in Interior Design and minoring in Graphic Design at Kansas State University, Madison Svoboda would like to work as a residential interior designer on custom new-build and renovation projects with a long-term goal to run her own residential design firm.

Along with Kitchen and Bath Design, Madison is interested in designing for inclusivity within the home, particularly when it comes to accessibility and adaptation for all its users. She’s also interested in sustainable cabinet design and ethical material selection.

“I would enjoy working on custom-built projects as it allows my creative side to flourish with each home being entirely different than the next. I want my designs to be an everlasting part of people’s memories as they age and grow into the spaces we create for them.”

2022-23 Diversity in Design Program Winners
Thermador Headshot Angelica De La Roca

Angelica Dela Roca

Gilbert, Arizona

An interior design major at Arizona State University, Angelica Dela Roca plans to acquire her LEED certification and NCIDQ license after graduation. Eventually, she would like to open up her own firm to bring the perspective of a Filipina woman to the industry. Through these experiences, she intends to create authentic stAn interior design major at Arizona State University, Angelica Dela Roca plans to acquire her LEED certification and NCIDQ license after graduation. Eventually, she would like to open up her own firm to bring the perspective of a Filipina woman to the industry. Through these experiences, she intends to create authentic stories within our spaces.

“I have a soft spot for authentic and true designs that think about the people and how different we are. It is truly heartwarming to know that when someone walks into a place that I designed, they feel that it is designed for them.” ories within our spaces.

“I have a soft spot for authentic and true designs that think about the people and how different we are. It is truly heartwarming to know that when someone walks into a place that I designed, they feel that it is designed for them.”

Thermador HeadShot Celia Pena

Celia Pena

Ocala, Florida

President of the Interior Design Student Organization (IDSO) at Florida State University, Celia Pena is majoring in Interior Architecture & Design with a minor in Hospitality Management. She is driven to help others and improve human health and wellness by shaping interior environments to encourage a better lifestyle.

“One of my main interior design interests is the psychology behind the artistry of the career. Interiors are part of our everyday life, impacting billions of people. The overall relationship embraces the human perspective and surrounding environment, which intrigues me the most.”

Thermador Headshot Marlena Rhinehart

Marlena Rhinehart

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Majoring in Interior Architecture through the “2-plus-2” program at East Tennessee State University and Pellissippi State Community College, Marlena Rhinehart aspires to have a career as a contract interior designer at a firm specializing in residential and commercial design. Post-college, she plans to pursue a graduate degree and NCIDQ certification, with the goal to lead her own design firm with international clients.

“My passion is to create usefully harmonious designs by incorporating culturally relevant and accessible elements within interior environments. Our home is where we create our most endearing memories, it is where we have the most power to express who we are as individuals, and it is a refuge from the busy outside world. Indeed, the most effective way for me to be impactful as an interior designer is to help create the places that we call home.”

Thermador Headshot Nadia Nassar

Nadia Nassar

Tempe, Arizona

Nadia Nassar is an Interior Design major at Arizona State University, and is most interested in residential and hospitality design. Her goal is to own a residential design firm and design houses all around the U.S. After graduation, she hopes to start working at a boutique residential firm in Arizona, then work towards her Master’s degree.

“I decided to pursue residential interior design, because there is nothing that puts me in a better mood than being in a space that exudes pleasure. One's home can have a huge impact on their motivation and stress levels. Helping others create a space where they feel comfortable and can feel proud of is something that gives me a sense of pride.”

Thermador Headshot Sarah Pascarella

Sarah Pascarella

Long Beach, California

Entering her senior year studying Interior Architecture at California State University and minoring in Journalism, Sarah Pascarella is interested in owning her own design firm that creates extremely niche and eclectic international homes meant to inspire. She is also passionate about eco-friendly design to help heal the environment.

“Abstractly, I want to explore the world and learn from International Designers that offer different insight and unique perspectives. I want to never stop learning from those around me and those that came before me. There is so much life to live and life to love, different cultures, different regions, different humans with different ideas and I want to flourish in it all!”

2021-22 Diversity in Design Program Winners
Aleah Mazyck

Aleah Mazyck

UNC Greensboro

Aleah graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at UNC Greensboro. She is fascinated by both the Business and design sides of the Industry. Her dream is for these two degrees to meld and provide her with the knowledge and resources to open her own interior design firm.

Kayla Martin

Kayla Martin

California State University

Kayla graduated from California State University with a degree in Interior Design, and she plans to dedicate her design carrer to making occupant-focused and universally supportive spaces. She wants to use creativity, research, and her life experiences to reach and enrich as many people as possible. To achieve this goal, she wants to start and grow a non-profit design firm to upholding and creating all-inclusive environments.

Raquel Rodrigues

Raquel Rodrigues

Texas Tech University

Raquel graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Interior Design and a minor in Architecture. Her carrer goal is to work for a firm while she pursues her graduate degree. Her number one goal is to work for a firm that upholds social responsibility within the design field.

Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin

University of Northern Iowa

Jonathan graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design and a certificate in sustainability from the University of Northern Iowa. He is now an Interior Designer with Hay Dobbs Architecture in St. Paul, Minneapolis. His career goals focus on growing a business into a medium-sized residential Interior Design Business where he can employ great local designers. While he enjoys many different kinds of design, he is particularly drawn to Spanish architecture and design.

Chrystal Mcleod

Chrystal McLeod

Georgia Southern University

Chrystal graduated from Georgia Southern University Interior Design with a degree in Interior Design. Her career goals focus on acquiring a Junior Interior Design position within a residential design firm in the southern United States. After gaining more experience within the field, she intends on taking the NCIDQ in order to show her proficiency in the profession. She also plans on getting the NKBA certification to show her level of professionalism as a specialized kitchen and bath designer.

Past Mentors

2023-24 Diversity in Design Mentors
Bolkar Acikkol Headshot

Bolkar Acikkol, PhD(c), AIA, LEED AP

Senior Project Architect, Johnston LLC

Sugarland, Texas

Born into a family of designers, Bolkar's upbringing instilled the principle that extraordinary design has the power to evoke profound human experiences. With over 20 years of professional experience as a licensed architect in design and construction, he has successfully completed over two million square feet of buildings, including multiple LEED certifications.

He fosters inclusive environments for collaboration and executes projects of any scale with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Fueled by coffee and inspired by Texas’s eternal sun, flora, and fauna, he takes delight in pushing the boundaries of how any project can be both beautiful and sustainably designed, while also reducing carbon emissions and maximizing functional efficiency.

With a background in educating aspiring designers at the college level, Bolkar is consistently enthusiastic about new learning opportunities, sharing insights, and imparting wisdom, all in service of leaving the world a little better through the lens of design.

Jessica Bantom Headshot

Jessica Bantom

Author | Speaker | Designer, The Design DEIB Consultant

Bowie, Maryland

Jessica Bantom,The Design DEIB Consultant, is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging practitioner, interior design consultant, and speaker whose mission is to help designers increase their cultural competence so they can create in ways that honor humanity.

A graduate of the University of Virginia and Marymount University, Bantom is a skilled management consultant with over 20 years of experience, a compelling speaker, and a certified facilitator and coach with a passion for enabling individuals to take actions that create meaningful outcomes for historically excluded people. Bantom is active in the interior design industry as an interior design and color consultant and as an engaged advocate committed to promoting DEIB in the industry and in practice.

You can learn more about Jessica and her book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, at JessicaBantom.com.

Brenda Geler Headshot

Brenda Geler

Founder & Creative Director, Casa Blanca Studio

Henderson, Nevada

Brenda, originally from Argentina, is the founder and lead designer for Casa Blanca Studio, she is a remarkable product designer with an extensive knowledge of home interiors. Her worldly experiences gained from living in countries like Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Hungary have given her exposure to various design styles and a unique perspective and approach to designing spaces.

Her personal and dynamic life gives her a well-rounded perspective on art and design, as she understands the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional and sustainable but also comfortable and inviting for all members of the family. Her goal is to design spaces with character and authenticity.

Brenda's passion for design extends beyond residential and commercial projects, as she also contributes to the industry as a faculty member and mentor at The International School of Hospitality in Las Vegas, where she has lived since 2017. Her extensive experience and knowledge in hospitality design, sales, and marketing make her a highly sought-after member of the field.

Ellen Lopez Headshot

Ellen Lopez

Founder & Creative Director, EL Design Studio & Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer

Hicksville, New York

Ellen Lopez is an award-winning Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer with nearly thirty years of professional design expertise.

She opened EL Design Studio in 2014 and quickly built an extraordinary portfolio of exceptional work that uniquely blends the needs of her clients with her talented eye for trends as well as timeless style.

Ellen’s early years as a professional included working as a textile designer, stylist, and colorist, where passions for the home furnishings industry flourished. Today, she sets herself apart as an industry leader, being one of nine from around the country and Canada asked to serve in an advisory role on ‘The Academy at Cambria Council’, in addition she has served locally for the Metro NY NKBA chapter as Programs Chair and is now serving on the National NKBA Chapter Leadership Committee.

Shelly Preziosi

Lisa Mende

Founder & Creative Director, Lisa Mende Design

Charlotte, North Carolina

As the founder and creative director of Lisa Mende Design, Lisa has built a reputation as one of the South's premier luxury designers.

She is known for creating bold, modern interiors that are rooted in tradition. Antiques and vintage pieces, mixed with modern classics and original art are the hallmarks of her designs. Her portfolio includes an array of projects from coast to coast and includes everything from historic preservation to new construction.

Mother of four, Lisa lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband and dogs Grace Kelly and Wrigley.

2022-23 Diversity in Design Mentors
Cassandra Brunson

Cassandra Brunson

President & Design Principal, Design+

Winston Salem, North Carolina

As one of the Southeast's leading interior architectural designers, Cassandra Brunson specializes in both residential and commercial design. Her work has been featured at The Woodlawn Estate, Alexandria, VA, Making Headline News and Triad Business Journal, among others.

The founder of her own design firm, Design+, Cassandra has a decade of experience and education in custom furniture design, space planning, 3D rendering and full-scale renovation projects. She also loves paying it forward, which is one of the motivating forces that lead her to become an Adjunct Professor at Forsyth Technical Community College, where she teaches Professional Practices to senior design students.

Kendra Rhoulhac

Kendra Rhoulhac

Interior Designer, Interiors by Brown

Boca Raton, Florida

Kendra Rhoulhac has worked in the design community for over 17 years and with Interiors by Brown for over seven years specializing in luxury residential design. She is an Allied Member of ASID and a LEED AP with a specialty in Green Building Design and Construction. Kendra graduated with honors and a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Clients seek Kendra’s expertise because of her diverse background, intuitive connection to the client’s needs and fun, adventurous spirit.

Liz Toombs

Liz Toombs, C.I.D.

President, Owner and Lead Decorator, PDR Interiors

Lexington, Kentucky

Liz Toombs, president of the Lexington, Ky.- based firm PDR Interiors, is the go-to decorator for sorority interiors with 90 projects on college campuses in 25 states. In addition to her highly touted work in Greek housing, Liz offers comprehensive services for private residences.

A former Adjust Professor/Instructor at the University of Kentucky, she also serves as a facilitator and mentor for the Alpha Gamma Delta fraternity’s Empower Program.

Michael Cox

Michael Cox

Owner, foley & cox interiors

New York, New York

Michael Cox possesses a breadth of expertise in furniture design, customized color palettes and interior architecture. His talented team is comprised of the finest suppliers and craftsmen on four continents. Michael worked in various Home divisions of Polo/Ralph Lauren for 10 years. As Design Director of furniture, he broadened his historical understanding and expertise in countries as diverse as Indonesia, England, Bali, France, Chile and the Philippines. In 2002, Michael and Mary Foley founded foley&cox and in 2007 launched foley&cox home. This venture extended the firm’s presence in the retail marketplace and showcases custom furniture designs, collected vintage items and antiques, as well as specialized products from skilled artisans.

Shelly Preziosi

Shelly Preziosi

Owner & Principal, Shelly Preziosi Designs Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida

Shelly Preziosi is an Allied ASID Interior Designer, and an AKBD Kitchen and Bath Designer residing in Florida.

Shelly's practice focuses on modern interior design and she approaches each project and client at the physical, intuitive and energetic levels.

Since 1992, she has been the owner and principal of Shelly Preziosi Designs Inc. As an Interior Designer Shelly's focus is her clients; the way they use their spaces, what supports them, and where they are in their life phase.

Shelly designs whole homes, bathrooms and kitchens, specializing in new construction and remodels.

2021-22 Diversity in Design Mentors
Ami

Ami Austin

Nationally Acclaimed and Award-Winning Designer

In 2004, Ami Austin founded Ami Austin Interior Design in Memphis, TN. Her breadth of design knowledge and her passion for originality lead to memorable, personalized, stunning interiors for residential and commercial clients. Ami is the recipient of numerous design awards, including the Interior Design Society's prestigious "Designer of the Year" award. Her work and expertise have been featured in many publications, including Interior Design, Romantic Homes, Elle Decor, Lux Life, Architect, Architizer, Residential Architect, Home Accents Today, Interiors + Sources, Design Journal, Home Furnishing Bussiness, Kitchen and Bath Business, Kitchen Bath Trends, Furniture World, Furniture Today, Mytrends, Editor at Large, Custom Home, Design Studio, At Home Memphis & Mid-South, MEMPHIS, Memphis Business Journal, Click, and Memphis Daily News/ The Daily Memphian.

Kelly Finley

Kelly Finley

CEO and Creative Director of Joy Street Design

A nationally recognized interior design firm with offices in Oakland, CA, and Atlanta, GA that provides full interior design services. As a former lawyer, Kelly is no stranger to managing large, complex projects. With her fun personality, energy, and love of bold colors she brings the perfect combination of project management, creative design ideas, and unparalleled service to her clients. In 2018, Kelly founded Joy Street Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives through transforming spaces. Joy Street Initiative believes that restoring dignity and ownership in your living space is extremely important, especially when transitioning out of hardship and/our trauma. Joy Street Design donates 10% of its profits to Joy Street Initiative which (along with vendor support) enables Joy Street Initiative to transform the spaces of local shelters catering to women and children. Kelly studied interior design and interior architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. She holds a law degree from Stanford Law School and a business degree from Emory University. Kelly and Joy Street Design have been featured on the Today Show, HGTV, and KQED.

Bria Hammel

Bria Hammel

Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors

Bria is also the CEO of Brooke & Lou and Co-Creator of Hammel House & Co. She leads a fresh, talented team of women who are dedicated to designing beautiful, inviting homes for clients. For Bria, every project is about creating a home filled with surprising, thoughtful spaces that lead to unexpected moments. She has an incredible eye for detail and has a passion for designing spaces that tell her clients’ stories. Bria’s work has been featured in national publications such as Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, as well as many other local shelter magazines. She received the “Fresh Faces of Design” award in 2015 and 2018 from HGTV, was a finalist for an International Design Award, was selected as a 2018 Style Spotter for High Point Market Authority, and received 2nd Place in Sub-Zero Wolf's Kitchen Design Contest in the Traditional category in 2019.

Liz Macphail

Liz MacPhail

Founder of Liz MacPhail Interiors

Liz MacPhail is no stranger to change. Growing up as the only daughter with three brothers in a military family, change was her constant. Her itinerant upbringing took her from California to Virginia and from Japan to Italy. After attending The College of William & Mary, attaining a degree in International Economics and Fiance, she spent a year in finance in Washington D.C and 7 years on NYC's Madison Ave. When not honing her marketing and business skills, she was studying at Parsons School of Design in the Evenings and weekends and later, after a move to Austin, at the Academy of Art. While raising her 3 sons, Liz quietly, and predominantly by word-of-mouth, built-up Liz MacPhail Interiors. She currently employs an all women team of four, with an ever-growing list of satisfied clients accross the country.

Jonathan Savage

Jonathan Savage

Founder of Savage Interior Design

Hailing from Nashville, Jonathan is the consummate Southerner by birth, and his energetic personality makes him a sought-after designer regionally and internationally. Jonathan’s clients – often repeat customers whose extended family members become clients – testify to his ability to make the design experience seamless and superior. With his Southern warmth, he easily connects with an array of personalities with different tastes and budgets. Jonathan spent some of his educational years in England, gleaning a richer knowledge of fine art, sculpture, and antiques at the American University in London. He then earned a BFA in interior design from O’More College of Design in Tennessee, where he polished his exceptional technical skills. After working in New York City, he now resides in Palm Beach and Nashville, where he was named 2016’s top designer by Nashville Lifestyles magazine. Jonathan’s primary focus is residential interiors. He has applied his skills and knowledge of history to properties ranging from contemporary downtown lofts to sprawling estates. Key to the SAVAGE design process is having wide-ranging conversations with clients regarding colors, materials, and finishes.

Past Selection Committees

2023-24 Diversity in Design Selection Committee
Carisha Swanson

Carisha Swanson

Director of Editorial Special Projects

Carisha Swanson is a Georgia native, now living in Charlotte, North Carolina. While attending Williams College in Williamstown, MA she spent a year abroad studying design in London. After completing her BA with Honors in American Studies, she moved back to Atlanta, GA to work for the publisher W.W. Norton & Co. and teach literacy classes during summer breaks. She subsequently left for Connecticut to continue her work in book publishing with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It was during this time that her passion for design led her into the world of retail management and magazine publishing. She began to work concurrently as a manager for retailer Crate & Barrel, and freelancing as Market Editor for Moffly Media, a publisher of six luxury regional and shelter magazines in Fairfield County, CT. Over the next five years she would become a full time editor at Moffly Media, help launch two new titles, and be the lead on several custom projects, including their annual Luxury Gift Portfolio and Beauty Book. In 2013, she joined Hearst as Market Editor for the Hearst Design Group, which included House Beautiful, Veranda and ELLE Decor, with a focus on kitchen, bath, building and technology. She was later promoted to Senior Market Editor and in 2018 became Market Director for House Beautiful’s print and digital properties. In 2022, her title changed to Director of Editorial Special Projects focusing on brand partnerships, consumer facing programming and 360° editorial content creation. She continues to be a brand ambassador leading design conversations globally.

Justin Williams

Justin Q. Williams

HGTV Design Star Alum & Founder of Trademark Design Company

Justin Q. Williams is an Atlanta-based Interior Designer whose love for décor and design developed into starting his business at age 21, Trademark Design Company. Along with being featured in magazines such as HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, Atlanta Magazine, AM HOME, Modern Luxury Interiors, and many others, he is also featured in Picture Perfect Parties, a Rizzoli International cookbook filled with stylish solutions for entertaining.

Born in the small city of Opelika, Alabama Justin is now a highly sought-after Interior Designer with a vast amount of exposure to all elements of design, which includes photo styling. As a photo-stylist, Justin has worked styling interiors that have graced the pages of many publications. Justin’s hope is to make fashionable yet functional spaces for people who seek him. His life’s work has been helping others live better and he will continue to do that by elevating spaces, one home at a time.

Tyler Wisler

Tyler Wisler

International Designer

Tyler Wisler is an international, influential, and sought-after designer. His spaces are fashionably aspirational with hints of the unexpected. He's been featured on hit shows including HGTV's Design Star, ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's George To The Rescue, and Lifetime's The Way Home. Most Recently Tyler has starred as a judge and mentor on Asia's biggest design competition show, "The Apartment", where he is known for tough love and sound, practical advice. His work has seen in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Elle Decor and Better Homes and Gardens. Companies like Kohler, 3M, TIKI Brand, BRIZO, Consentino, Sherwin-Williams and benjamin Moore have all collaborated for his edgy aesthetic and authentic narrative. Tyler has most recently taken on the roles as Design Director at YWA Studio in Singapore, heading up the interior design arm of this award-winning multi-disciplinary firm!

David Charette

David Charette

Award-Winning Designer and Founding Principal of Britto Charette

David Charette is an award-winning licensed interior designer with vast international experience, having completed compelling design projects around the globe. David’s progressive design initiatives include corporate campuses, GSA, higher education, commercial, retail, and multimillion-dollar residential. David earned a BA and MA in architecture from the University of Detroit and has more than 20 years of experience in urban planning, master planning, zoning, streetscapes, and interior design. As Principal of his own firm, Britto Charette, he specializes in ultra-luxury interiors. Charette's cutting-edge designs have garnered international press and many accolades, including Interior Design magazine's Best of Year award, while his integrity and work ethic have earned him the respect of his clients, team, and peers in the design industry.

Juliana Oliveira

Juliana Oliveira

Award-Winning Brazilian Interior Designer

Juliana Oliveira is a Brazilian interior designer and owner of Beyond Interior Design, a full-service interior design firm based in Dallas, TX. With over a decade of experience, her work is rooted in modern luxury with international influence for residential and commercial properties. With a background in wellness design, the award-winning interior designer co-founded Athlete Centric Design™, a design concept and experience that transforms pro athletes’ homes to recharging stations grounded in health and wellness elements.

With community betterment at the forefront of her work and as a former IDS Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member, Oliveira aims to advocate for the importance of diversity and inclusion within the industry for the current and next generation of interior designers and creatives to thrive.

Oliveira has been recognized as the 2020 Texas Designer for Business of Home’s 50 States Project and the 2022 DHome’s Best Designers List. Her work and expertise lives in Forbes, AD PRO, Rue Magazine, House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy, The Dallas Morning News, D Home, Modern Luxury and more.

2022-23 Diversity in Design Selection Committee
Carisha

Carisha Swanson

Director of Editorial Special Projects

Carisha Swanson is a Georgia native, now living in Charlotte, North Carolina. While attending Williams College in Williamstown, MA she spent a year abroad studying design in London. After completing her BA with Honors in American Studies, she moved back to Atlanta, GA to work for the publisher W.W. Norton & Co. and teach literacy classes during summer breaks. She subsequently left for Connecticut to continue her work in book publishing with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It was during this time that her passion for design led her into the world of retail management and magazine publishing. She began to work concurrently as a manager for retailer Crate & Barrel, and freelancing as Market Editor for Moffly Media, a publisher of six luxury regional and shelter magazines in Fairfield County, CT. Over the next five years she would become a full time editor at Moffly Media, help launch two new titles, and be the lead on several custom projects, including their annual Luxury Gift Portfolio and Beauty Book. In 2013, she joined Hearst as Market Editor for the Hearst Design Group, which included House Beautiful, Veranda and ELLE Decor, with a focus on kitchen, bath, building and technology. She was later promoted to Senior Market Editor and in 2018 became Market Director for House Beautiful’s print and digital properties. In 2022, her title changed to Director of Editorial Special Projects focusing on brand partnerships, consumer facing programming and 360° editorial content creation. She continues to be a brand ambassador leading design conversations globally.

Justin Williams

Justin Q. Williams

HGTV Design Star Alum & Founder of Trademark Design Company

Justin Q. Williams is an Atlanta-based Interior Designer whose love for décor and design developed into starting his business at age 21, Trademark Design Company. Along with being featured in magazines such as HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, Atlanta Magazine, AM HOME, Modern Luxury Interiors, and many others, he is also featured in Picture Perfect Parties, a Rizzoli International cookbook filled with stylish solutions for entertaining.

Born in the small city of Opelika, Alabama Justin is now a highly sought-after Interior Designer with a vast amount of exposure to all elements of design, which includes photo styling. As a photo-stylist, Justin has worked styling interiors that have graced the pages of many publications. Justin’s hope is to make fashionable yet functional spaces for people who seek him. His life’s work has been helping others live better and he will continue to do that by elevating spaces, one home at a time.

Tyler Wisler

Tyler Wisler

International Designer

Tyler Wisler is an international, influential, and sought-after designer. His spaces are fashionably aspirational with hints of the unexpected. He's been featured on hit shows including HGTV's Design Star, ABC's Good Morning America, NBC's George To The Rescue, and Lifetime's The Way Home. Most Recently Tyler has starred as a judge and mentor on Asia's biggest design competition show, "The Apartment", where he is known for tough love and sound, practical advice. His work has seen in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Elle Decor and Better Homes and Gardens. Companies like Kohler, 3M, TIKI Brand, BRIZO, Consentino, Sherwin-Williams and benjamin Moore have all collaborated for his edgy aesthetic and authentic narrative. Tyler has most recently taken on the roles as Design Director at YWA Studio in Singapore, heading up the interior design arm of this award-winning multi-disciplinary firm!

David Charette

David Charette

Award-Winning Designer and Founding Principal of Britto Charette

David Charette is an award-winning licensed interior designer with vast international experience, having completed compelling design projects around the globe. David’s progressive design initiatives include corporate campuses, GSA, higher education, commercial, retail, and multimillion-dollar residential. David earned a BA and MA in architecture from the University of Detroit and has more than 20 years of experience in urban planning, master planning, zoning, streetscapes, and interior design. As Principal of his own firm, Britto Charette, he specializes in ultra-luxury interiors. Charette's cutting-edge designs have garnered international press and many accolades, including Interior Design magazine's Best of Year award, while his integrity and work ethic have earned him the respect of his clients, team, and peers in the design industry.

Juliana Oliveira

Juliana Oliveira

Award-Winning Brazilian Interior Designer

Juliana Oliveira is a Brazilian interior designer and owner of Beyond Interior Design, a full-service interior design firm based in Dallas, TX. With over a decade of experience, her work is rooted in modern luxury with international influence for residential and commercial properties. With a background in wellness design, the award-winning interior designer co-founded Athlete Centric Design™, a design concept and experience that transforms pro athletes’ homes to recharging stations grounded in health and wellness elements.

With community betterment at the forefront of her work and as a former IDS Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member, Oliveira aims to advocate for the importance of diversity and inclusion within the industry for the current and next generation of interior designers and creatives to thrive.

Oliveira has been recognized as the 2020 Texas Designer for Business of Home’s 50 States Project and the 2022 DHome’s Best Designers List. Her work and expertise lives in Forbes, AD PRO, Rue Magazine, House Beautiful, Apartment Therapy, The Dallas Morning News, D Home, Modern Luxury and more.

2021-22 Diversity in Design Selection Committee
Joy Cho

Joy Cho

Oh Joy! Founder

Joy Cho is a graphic designer, blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Creative Director of the lifestyle brand, Oh Joy!, known for bringing joy to the everyday. She has authored six books and consulted for hundreds of businesses around the world. Oh Joy! creates a wide range of licensed products including home décor, baby & nursery, pet, travel, and furniture collections. For two years in a row, Joy was named one of Time’s 30 Most Influential People on the Internet and has the most followed account on Pinterest with over 14 million followers.

Carisha

Carisha Swanson

House Beautiful Market Director

Carisha Swanson is a Georgia native, who spent over a decade in southern Connecticut, and recently moved to North Carolina. In 2013, she joined Hearst as Market Editor for the Hearst Design Group, which included House Beautiful, Veranda and ELLE Decor, with a focus on kitchen, bath, building and technology. In 2018, she was promoted to Senior Market Editor and in 2018 to Market Director for House Beautiful’s print and digital properties. She continues to be a global advocate for expanding consumer knowledge in these key markets.

Justin Williams

Justin Williams

HGTV Design star contestant

Justin Williams, star of HGTV’s Design Star: NextGen is an Atlanta-based Interior Designer whose love for décor and design developed into a business where his main goal is to bring quality, as well as affordable designs, to any consumer. Williams founded Trademark Design Company in 2009, and has since seen the company gain clientele ranging from 1-bedroom apartments to million-dollar estates. Recently, Trademark has created new branches of businesses all-encompassing the home and lifestyle division that elevates with each project acquired.

Jeremy Bauer

Jeremy Bauer

Co-Funder of Bauer/Clifton Interiors

Jeremy Bauer has always taken a liking to architecture and landscaping. After receiving degrees in Architecture and Architectural Engineering, with concentrations in Art, Landscaping, and City Planning, Jeremy moved to Alaska to begin his first career in design. Drawing inspiration from his roots, Jeremy's first project was a remote Alaska post and beam cabin, and over time, his focus would skew toward interiors, though he maintains a passion and talent for landscape design.

David Santiago

David Santiago

Founder of Casa Santi Interior Design

David Santiago is an award-winning designer and owner of Casa Santi Interior Design established in 2011. He caters to clients who seek the unique, creative details that elevate a project blending his traditional sensibility with the unexpected, known as his signature and trademark "Santified". His Strictly Santi brand was created as an umbrella brand in 2018 and since then, David launched several products; a lighting collection with American Brass & Crystal Lighting and a wallpaper collection with Bijou wallcoverings entitled The Passport Collection, catering to hospitality and residential markets.